Perfect Plant Pairings for a Stunning Flower Border

Some garden plants look amazing when planted together in the flower border, making it really stand out. Here are some failsafe combinations to try:

Anemones and Perovskia

Anemones are grown from bulbs that will flower in winter and spring, bringing a kaleidoscope of bright colours to the garden. They grow happily in containers or in borders, reaching around 40 to 50 cm tall. With blooms that can be pastel or vibrantly coloured with a black centre, Anemones create a captivating display. By planting a few bulbs at a time, from early autumn to early winter, you will ensure continual blooms for a longer period. When the plant has finished flowering, allow the leaves to die down, as they will nourish the bulb for the next season.

Perovskia (Russian Sage) is a perennial herb with silver foliage and steel-blue flower spikes, adding structure and definition to the brightly coloured Anemones. The combination of Anemones and Perovskia creates a striking contrast that enhances the visual appeal of your garden.

Zinnia and French Marigold

For a lively, modern show, Marigolds (Tagetes/French Marigold) are must-haves. With their eye-popping colours of mainly yellow or orange, they attract butterflies and are often used as ‘companion’ plants in the vegetable plot, helping to deter pests. Pinching out the stems will encourage more flowers, ensuring a vibrant display.

Zinnias are annuals, very easy to grow from seed, and also useful as a pest deterrent in the veggie garden. These bright, showy summer-flowering plants come in a wide variety of colours, including white, cream, yellow, crimson, purple, and pink. The combination of Zinnias and French Marigolds brings a burst of colour and life to any garden space.

Veronica and Alchemilla Mollis

Veronica (Hebe) is an evergreen flowering shrub with attractive dark green foliage and a low-maintenance, compact growth habit. Flower colours vary in shades of lilac, blue, red, or white, and butterflies love them. This makes Veronica a delightful addition to any garden border.

Alchemilla Mollis (Lady’s Mantle), grown alongside a blue-flowering Veronica, blends beautifully with its soft, velvety grey/green foliage and frothy heads of tiny yellow flowers. The combination of Veronica and Alchemilla Mollis creates a harmonious and visually appealing garden display.